Theory on why BAT gets higher prices than Ebay

[Cornerlot]

I tried recently to submit a non-Porsche, non-Euro, non-stock domestic Hot Rod to BaT. A very high quality piece. They turned it down because it was 'out of their expertise' to predict a selling price. Oh, but they want to list my Porsche. Cherry picking at its best.

Quite a odd business model, turning down potential profit and market expansion in the cause of keeping up appearances. They net a profit of about 1/2 what a brick n mortar live small auction would, but have only a website to maintain.

I doubt that more than 5% of cars listed on eBay actually sell there, but they list 90000 at at time. Not 30 like BaT.

[Macroni]

Alfas seem to do quite well on BaT........

[COLB]

Originally Posted by Cornerlot

I tried recently to submit a non-Porsche, non-Euro, non-stock domestic Hot Rod to BaT. A very high quality piece. They turned it down because it was 'out of their expertise' to predict a selling price. Oh, but they want to list my Porsche. Cherry picking at its best.

Quite a odd business model, turning down potential profit and market expansion in the cause of keeping up appearances. They net a profit of about 1/2 what a brick n mortar live small auction would, but have only a website to maintain.

I doubt that more than 5% of cars listed on eBay actually sell there, but they list 90000 at at time. Not 30 like BaT.

You are seeing an increasing number of "reserve not met" on BaT -- and they are pretty predictable:

- hot rods: sellers often want what the build cost them, and buyers won't pay that; BaT audience is generally about stock, original cars, not hot rods (except mustangs)

- Mercedes: especially any 90s cars, 70s sedans, or 73-89 SLs. They are just not worth much, and are money pits if rusty. Buyers won't pay the premium sellers want if there is is a reserve.

- kit cars: same as hot rods

- 1930-59 American cars: the market is just not there; more cars than buyers.

The BaT audience likes:

- E30 & 2002 BMWs
- Porsches of all flavors
- VWs
- 60s muscle
- LBCs: triumph, Lotus, MG, Austin Healey, etc.
- All things Italian: Alfas, Maseratis, though Ferraris with reserves don't sell well.
- French cars: Citroens, Renaults -- who knows why.

[Rick Brooklyn]

^^^ Perfect analysis

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

[ASD]

it's like Reverb for cars. Reverb sells all sorts of music gear...only.
I think there is an exclusivity that EBAY does not have, and fewer if any scammers

[sugarwood]

Someone just paid $41,000 for a 928
1987 Porsche 928 S4 | Bring a Trailer

[specialtyoneinc]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

Someone just paid $41,000 for a 928
1987 Porsche 928 S4 | Bring a Trailer

All the $$$ but its getting difficult to find original, maintained, low mile, 5 speeds 928s. The majority of 928s seem to have been neglected in one way or the other due to costly/difficult maintenance.

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by specialtyoneinc

All the $$$ but its getting difficult to find original, maintained, low mile, 5 speeds 928s. The majority of 928s seem to have been neglected in one way or the other due to costly/difficult maintenance.

Yes, but that should reflect in the sales of all 928's, regardless of venue, if all venue were the same.

[specialtyoneinc]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

Yes, but that should reflect in the sales of all 928's, regardless of venue, if all venue were the same.

Agreed. BAT is the place for these types of cars for sure.

[Motorradrennen]

BaT feels like a digital 'curb stoner'. They fluff up descriptions and 99% of the cars a mediocre at best.

[matt930s]

Y'all are BaT **** Crazy!

MattR

[Macroni]

Two to watch today....... 930 and T Targa.

[COLB]

Originally Posted by Motorradrennen

BaT feels like a digital 'curb stoner'. They fluff up descriptions and 99% of the cars a mediocre at best.

Do you own stock in eBay or something? :roll eyes:


BaT is about as transparent as a sales/auction website can be. They aren't a dealer -- although the website owners do occasionally auction one of their own cars -- they host an auction site on commission.

That has absolutely zero to do with curbstoning.

Most cars they host are being sold by brokers, but that is the nature of the market, not anything specific about the website. If you want a Pebble Beach car, go to RM and pay the premium.

[techweenie]

Having actually sold a car in a BaT auction, I will tell you that they rely 70% on the seller's description. For the rest, they pay very close attention to the photos you provide and they demand extensive photos.

They create a draft from your provided info and you can suggest modifications which they can accept or re-edit. BaT editors will generally fill in info that is categorically appropriate to the type of car you're selling.

If you forget or overlook something, the comment area lets you make up for that.

[tsp533]

I have also sold a Porsche on BaT and I agree - No deliberate "fluffing" from the auction writers, but some of them can't write worth a damn and sometimes they use superlatives instead of actual descriptions in their write-ups. When this happens they are almost always called out by the BaT posting community.

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by Motorradrennen

99% of the cars a mediocre at best.

Most ludicrous comment in this thread. I've seen more low mileage unicorns on BAT in one year than in my life combined.

[mreid]

I finally agree with sugar baby.

[maninblack]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

Most ludicrous comment in this thread. I've seen more low mileage unicorns on BAT in one year than in my life combined.

You need to get out more.

[Motorradrennen]

maninblack nailed it.

[COLB]

Originally Posted by Motorradrennen

maninblack nailed it.

Nah -- he didn't.

It is one thread, and that comment was by far the most ridiculous in it.

Saying "99% of the cars on BaT are mediocre" is patently foolish.